Members of the Golden Knights performing a formation skydiving jump Members of the Golden Knights performing a formation skydiving jump

Golden Knights

Take an adventurous path as part of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, more widely known as the Golden Knights. You’ll perform around the world as an elite unit.

Make History as an Aerial Ambassador

Combine your passion for skydiving with your desire for teamwork. As a Golden Knight, you’ll compete among the best and serve as an ambassador for the Army in communities across the nation and around the world.

A Golden Knights parachute team lining up to board an aircraft A Golden Knights parachute team lining up to board an aircraft

Teams that MAKE UP the Golden Knights

The Golden Knights are made up of several expert teams and skilled professionals who all play a critical role in the Army’s success. This includes parachute teams, aircraft pilots, and even those behind-the-scenes handling jump logistics. Whether you’re jumping out of planes going 120 miles per hour or learning how to land with expert precision, you’ll embrace the thrill of adventure and feel proud while doing it.

A Golden Knights skydiver flying a US Flag as he parachutes through the sky A Golden Knights skydiver flying a US Flag as he parachutes through the sky

A Legacy of Success

What started in 1959 as a small team competing against the former Soviet Union’s skydivers is now an international icon representing the Army’s success. The Golden Knights have earned over 3,800 medals in competition while also achieving 348 world records in the process.

See the Golden Knights in Action

Get a glimpse of what it's like to be a champion of the sky. Watch the Golden Knights live, stay up to date with events near you, or download instructions to request an appearance.

EVENTS IN YOUR AREA

Date Event Location
Mar 18 - 19, 2024 Army BodyFlight Experience
iFly Indoor Skydiving San Antonio
15915 I-10
San Antonio, TX 78249
Mar 30, 2024 United States Military Academy Lacrosse
University of North Carolina
104 Stadium Dr
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Apr 6 - 7, 2024 Beyond The Horizon Air Show
Maxwell Air Force Base
10 Kelly Street
Montgomery, AL 36112
Apr 19, 2024 Student and Educational Outreach
Toyota Field
5106 David Edwards Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78233
Apr 20, 2024 Chaparral Music Festival
Hemisfair Park
434 S Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
Apr 20 - 21, 2024 Grand Prix of Long Beach
Long Beach
300 East Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90802
Apr 21, 2024 Fiesta Celebration and Fireworks
San Antonio Country Club
4100 N New Braunfels Ave
San Antonio, TX 78209
Apr 27 - 28, 2024 Guardians of Freedom Airshow
Sheppard Air Force Base
1810 J Ave
Sheppard AFB, TX 76311
May 11, 2024 Good Neighbor Day Open House and Airshow
Dekalb Peachtree Airport
2000 Airport Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
May 25 - 26, 2024 Miami Beach Air and Sea Show
Miami Beach
1130 Ocean Dr
Miami, FL 33139
May 25 - 26, 2024 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park
1 Ocean Parkway
Wantagh, NY 11793
Jun 1, 2024 National Black Bear Fest
The Port O' Plymouth
302 East Water Street
Plymouth, NC 27962
Jun 3 - 8, 2024 D-Day 80 Commemoration
Normandy Beach
1 English Channel
France, NA 14960
Jun 21 - 22, 2024 Wings Over Wausau
Wausau Downtown Airport
725 Woods Place
Wausau, WI 54403
Jun 22 - 23, 2024 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show
Dayton International Airport
3600 Terminal Dr
Dayton, OH 45377
Jul 3 - 5, 2024 Dubuque Riverfront Airshow
Dubuque Riverfront
1 AY Mcdonald Park
Dubuque, IA 52001
Jul 3 - 7, 2024 Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show
Battle Creek Executive Airport
15551 S Airport Road
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Jul 13, 2024 America's Freedom Fest
Goshen Municipal Airport
17229 Co Rd 42
Goshen, IN 46526
Jul 20 - 21, 2024 Artic Thunder Air Show and Open House
JB Elmendorf-Richardson
10471 20th Street
Anchorage, AK 99506
Jul 27 - 28, 2024 Milwaukee Air and Water Show
McKinley Park and Bradford Beach
1750 N Lincoln Memorial Dr
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Aug 10 - 11, 2024 Chicago Air and Water Show
North Avenue Beach
1600 N Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60007
Aug 17 - 18, 2024 Gary Air Show
Marquette Park
1 North Grand Boulevard
Gary, IN 46401
Aug 17, 2024 Mattoon Air Show
Coles County Memorial Airport
432 Airport Road
Mattoon, IL 61938
A Golden Knights parachute team poses for a photo in a helicopter before a jump A Golden Knights parachute team poses for a photo in a helicopter before a jump

WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A GOLDEN KNIGHT

While there's an opportunity for all members of the Army to become a Golden Knight, positions are highly competitive and meant for those dedicated to being a skydiving specialist. Soldiers must meet these requirements to be considered:

  • Qualified: Airborne qualified or willing to attend U.S. Army Airborne School
  • Experienced: Performed a minimum of 100 military or civilian free-fall jumps
  • Disciplined: Clean military and civilian criminal or disciplinary record
  • Approved: Must have submitted an application packet for approval

A member of the Golden Knights poses for a photo as he jumps from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter A member of the Golden Knights poses for a photo as he jumps from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter

Every Golden Knight is a Soldier First

To become a member of the Golden Knights, you must first become an Army Soldier. Explore the variety of career opportunities the Army offers and see what it takes to join.

Talk to a Recruiter

Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

Who will reach out to me?

One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

What is the time commitment for part-time service?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?

How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can I join ROTC at my age

Can I join as an Officer?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out, .

We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.

Questions you may have right now

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

What are the ways to serve part-time?

You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

How do I become a health care provider in the Army?

You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.

What types of medical careers are available in the Army?

There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

What are the benefits of joining ROTC?

ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.

How do I prepare to join ROTC?

When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.

Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?

Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.

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